MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
April 2, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Goodman called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California
CLOSED SESSION
CS-1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
Consideration of whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): (1 case)
CS-2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6.
Agency Designated Representatives: Conal McNamara, City Manager Ryan Hallett, Administrative Services
Director
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
Mayor Goodman recessed to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
OPEN SESSION:
Mayor Goodman reconvened in Open Session at 6:34 p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind announced that there are no reportable actions on either Items CS-1 or CS-2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Agosto, City Church
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
ROLL CALL: Council Members
Council Members present: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin, Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
Council Members absent: None
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Joseph Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Belinda Deines, Planning Manager
Andy Ramirez, Public Works/Community Services
Director, Ron Wilkerson, Police Chief
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Goodman issued Certificates of Recognition to the John F. Kennedy High School Cheer Team for achieving the First Place Title in the Medium Varsity NonTumbling Novice Division.
Joe Peña, District Representative for Senator Janet Nguyen, issued Certificates of Recognition to all the members of the Varsity Cheer Team.
2. Mayor Goodman issued Certificates of Recognition to the Citizen’s Academy Attendees.
3. Public Works/Community Services Director Ramirez introduced Omar Ochoa as La Palma’s new Water Worker II in the Public Works department.
4. City Manager McNamara introduced Alan Rivera as La Palma’s new Management Assistant in the General Government department.
5. Police Chief Wilkerson introduced Gabriela Funes as La Palma’s new Civilian Investigator in the Police Department.
6. Police Chief Wilkerson introduced Andrew Delgado as La Palma's new Police Officer in the Police Department.
7. Police Chief Wilkerson introduced Jesse Lopez as La Palma’s new Police Officer in the Police Department.
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Abe Mansaray, a Fullerton Resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the tennis courts being transitioned to pickleball courts.
Kevin Sequeira, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the local preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that he supports the freedom of speech and religion, but the preacher using the bullhorn is disturbing the peace; support for our Noise Ordinance being enforced; and his appreciation for our Police Department and its officers for all their efforts to address this.
Sang Yun Do, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the local preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that he supports the freedom of speech, but would prefer the preacher not use the bullhorn; and that the episodes have increased over time.
Dee Vincente, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that she can no longer use her backyard on Sundays because of the preacher using the megaphone; that she supports the freedom of speech and religion, but the preacher using the megaphone is disturbing the peace and has become a public nuisance; that episodes have increased over time; and her concern that a public confrontation with the preacher could ensue.
Jean Daum, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that she can no longer use her backyard on Sundays because of the preacher using the megaphone; that the preacher does not comply with police direction; support for our Noise Ordinance being enforced; that she supports the freedom of speech, but the preacher using the megaphone is disturbing the peace; that episodes have increased over time; and that her husband's health is becoming compromised.
Kris Thomas, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that she can no longer use her backyard on Sundays because of the preacher using the megaphone; that the preacher does not comply with police direction; support for our Noise Ordinance being enforced; that she supports the freedom of speech, but the preacher using the megaphone is disturbing the peace; that the Police need to spend their valuable time on this situation; and asked the City Council to resolve the matter.
Telisa Hong, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that she can no longer relax on her only day off on Sundays because of the preacher using the megaphone; that the preacher does not comply with police direction; that she supports City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
the freedom of speech, but the preacher using the megaphone is disturbing the peace; and that she supports her neighbors and agrees with their frustration.
Long Tran, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to having one tennis court converted into a pickleball court and suggested to convert one basketball court instead.
David King, a Norwalk resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to having one tennis court converted into a pickleball court; that pickleball is much noisier than tennis and should be further from homes; that pickleball disrupts tennis players; and that Norwalk has indoor pickleball courts because of the noise.
Christina Hayes, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; and that realtors have noted that they cannot conduct an open house in the area on Sundays because of him.
Linda Nguyen, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to having one tennis court converted into a pickleball court and asked the City Council to reverse course; and that Cypress will be opening new pickleball courts.
Eddie Lavrov, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the preacher at the intersection of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue; that he supports the freedom of speech and religion, but the preacher using the megaphone is disturbing the peace and has become a public nuisance; that while doing construction on his home, the Police informed him that he was in violation of the noise Ordinance and should also enforce the Ordinance in this case; and that Cerritos recently just opened up new pickleball courts and as such, converting a tennis court into pickleball is not necessary.
Wayne Ho, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to having one tennis court converted into pickleball because he lives next to the courts; and that pickleball court lines are confusing resulting in him getting an injury.
Christine Gray and her neighbor, residents of La Palma, addressed the City Council regarding their safety concerns regarding Short Term Rentals (STR) in La Palma; that investors are turning homes into STRs; would like to have details on La Palma's STRs - understand how they're processed and the total number of STRs; and that they no longer feel safe in their neighborhood.
City Manager McNamara asked the Ms. Gray to fill out a speaker card so that Staff can respond to their inquiry regarding STRs.
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waive the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Approval of Council Minutes
Approve the Minutes of the March 5, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-09 approving the Register of Demands for March 20, 2024, and April 2, 2024.
4. Amendment to the Agreement with Anaheim Family YMCA
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Agreement with Anaheim Family YMCA to conduct registrations for summer swim lessons.
5. Approve an Agreement with James Event Production Inc. for Event Production Services at Festival of Nations
Approve and authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with James Event Productions Inc. for event production services for the upcoming Festival of Nations event for an amount not to exceed $35,500.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 5.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Adoption of the General Plan 2021-2029 Housing Element a) Mayor Goodman Opened the Public Hearing at 7:39 p.m.
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
b) City Manager McNamara introduced the Item and Planning Manager Deines gave the Staff Report.
c) City Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding appreciation and support for Planning Manager Deines getting this process completed; the diligence required to get this project through to the State Housing and Community Development (HCD); that Planning Manager Deines explained the process of the Housing Element in great detail with Council Member Keo Conklin and was appreciated; that the Housing Element is a State mandate to plan for future housing, not a mandate to build or make it happen; that all 480+ cities in the State have to get their Housing Element approved by the HCD; and that considerations were made for all the housing needs out there. d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Goodman closed the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. f) Adopt a Resolution approving the 2021-2029 Housing Element Council Member Baker made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-10 approving the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Conklin and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
REGULAR ITEMS
7. Adoption of 2024 City Council Goals and Objectives
City Council McNamara gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
Discussion ensued regarding City branding; that in the process of working on the City medians, that the City should include an electric conduit in preparation of new lighted City monument signs; requested that Staff return back to the City Council will proposals; that with the new Median Islands, this should be incorporated into the project; clarification that this is not a new goal, but incorporates Goals 1 and 4, and would be a future Staff report in May so the City Council can have a discussion and make a decision; support for having a community health and wellness platform as one of the City Council's goals; that Council Member Keo Conklin asked for support and requested Staff research a health and wellness fair in partnership with other resources, and incorporate something at the July 4th Run for Fun; that City Manager McNamara responded that Staff will return with a proposal at the next City Council meeting; support for the City Council advancing Goal 4's regarding economic development is coming to fruition with the creation and commencement of an economic development ad-hoc committee; and support for Goal 1, Item 5, for the City Council code of conduct as the City is transitioning over to district elections.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve and adopt the 2024 City Council Goals and Objectives.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Baker attended the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Operations Committee meeting; the League of California Cities (LOCC) Orange County Division meeting; the Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission (OCOAAC) meeting; the public hearing for the Orange County draft area plan for the Office on Aging; the LOCC Quarterly Department Officers meeting; the Celebrating Women's Impact symposium; the EDCO Recycle, Shred and Compost event; the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Open House; the Cypress College Foundation Americana Awards recognizing La Palma Citizen of the Year, Michele Steggell; Congresswoman Steel's Women of Distinction ceremony; the LOCC Community Services Policy Committee meeting; the LOCC Organic Waste Recycling and Food Recovery Round Table; the OCSD Board of Directors meeting; the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Annual Conference; congratulated the John F. Kennedy High School Varsity City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
Cheer Team on their championship win; thanked the residents who participated in the Citizen's Academy; and welcomed the new employees introduced at tonight's meeting.
Council Member Keo Conklin attended the National League of Cities Conference; the Cypress College Foundation Americana Awards recognizing La Palma Citizen of the Year, Michele Steggell; the first 'Health and Wellness' walk; the woman's group meeting with Supervisor Foley; thanked Planning Manager Deines for the presentation on the Housing Element; congratulated the residents who participated in the Citizen's Academy' and welcomed the new employees introduced at tonight's meeting.
Council Member Patel attended the OCFA Budget and Finance Committee meeting; the Citizen's Academy session regarding City Council roles; the Cypress College Foundation Americana Awards recognizing La Palma Citizen of the Year, Michele Steggell; the Economic Development/Land Use Advisory Ad Hoc Committee meeting; and asked that Staff bring back to City Council an Agenda Item regarding proactive property inspections prior to property sales in relation to City Council Goal 3.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman had nothing to report.
Mayor Goodman attended the Association of Governmental Risk Pools Annual Conference; the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive Committee meeting; the SCAG Regional Council and Joint Policy Committee meeting; the Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Breakfast round table; the LOCC Division By-Laws AdHoc Committee meeting; the Cypress College Foundation Americana Awards recognizing La Palma Citizen of the Year, Michele Steggell; the Economic Development/Land Use Advisory Ad Hoc Committee meeting; the SCAG Nominating Committee meeting; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Executive Committee and Claims Committee meeting; the OCCOG Annual Conference; thanked the residents who participated in the Citizen's Academy; welcomed the new employees introduced at tonight's meeting; announced the upcoming Community Conversation this Thursday, April 4th at 5:30 pm in the Community Center; and congratulated Council Member Baker in her new role at the City Leaders Summit.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara announced the upcoming Community Conversation; thanked Planning Manager Deine's efforts and hard work in getting the Housing Element done and submitted to the State; recognized Maintenance Lead Jesse Fernandez for his efforts on the establishment of a new garden at the front of City Hall; and reminded the listeners that the annual Festival of Nations is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th.
City Council Meeting
April 2, 2024
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 8:26 p.m. ______________________________
Marshall Goodman
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk